Author: Thomas J. Ryan

HanesBrands, while reporting steep declines in sales and earnings in the first quarter due to the pandemic, said it has developed a four-step response strategy to maximize its operating flexibility under a number of modeling scenarios. One scenario assumes stores reopen in late May and another in early July.

Hydro Flask churned out high double-digit growth in both the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 29, according to the quarterly report of its parent, Helen of Troy. The leading beverage brand continues to benefit from its “Just One More” strategy that encourages loyal fans to try new colors, shapes, sizes and categories.

According to a global survey of sports industry leaders from WFSGI (World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry), a majority, 60 percent, believe they will need 91-to-180 days to get back to business after the pandemic. The survey has not, unsurprisingly, painted a bleak picture of sales and cash flow shortfalls and supply chain bottlenecks while detailing key priorities and mitigation strategies.

The owners at Charm City Run, Big Peach Running, Brooklyn Running and Playmakers discussed their challenges and opportunities ahead in the face of COVID-19. Elevated inventories and following social-distancing guidelines were among their concerns. New digital tools, a localization push and running’s newfound popularity among home-bound Americans offer some hope.

Adidas on Monday reported a 19 percent drop in sales for the first quarter, as more than 70 percent of its stores worldwide remain closed as a result of Covid-19. For the second quarter, officials forecast a loss as currency-neutral sales are expected to sink more than 40 percent.

Describing it as the “most unusual earnings call in our 21 years of being a public company,” David Weinberg, COO at Skechers USA, stressed that the footwear giant has taken the necessary steps to weather the fallout from COVID-19 and believes the brand is well-positioned to benefit when stores re-open. The troubling question, he admitted, is when will stores re-open.

TRX, the maker of functional training equipment and training content, is paying it back to fitness trainers that have driven the company’s robust growth amid COVID-19 challenges while taking steps to it pay it forward to consumers stuck at home. Here, Founder Randy Hetrick talks about how COVID-19 is elevating the opportunity in home fitness, the potential shake out in fitness, and what he believes will be some personal growth opportunities created by the crisis.

Wolverine Worldwide reported first-quarter sales tumbled 16 percent as business in March evaporated due to COVID-19. But company officials said they have quickly embraced a six-point plan to accelerate online sales and help it generate $150 million to $200 million of operating cash flow in 2020.

Many members of Gen Z are struggling with adolescence and now have to deal with COVID-19. A number of surveys have detailed the challenges younger generations are facing handling social distancing restrictions and COVID-19’s potential fallout. 

Catic Wellness Group (CW Group) has taken draconian steps to open up its fitness clubs again in China, including mandating that members work out in masks and take temperature checks, installing disinfection stations throughout premises, and banning showers. But the fact that the clubs re-opened could provide a path and some hope for other fitness clubs struggling to envision re-opening.

Delta Apparel Inc. said COVID-19’s spread led to a sales decline in its second quarter ended March 28 and warned sales would be “dramatically lower” in the third quarter. On a conference call, the activewear company further said it furloughed 300 U.S. workers as part of steps to preserve liquidity. On a positive note, officials noted that 25 percent of its business isn’t being impacted by the virus.

“This is a humbling time given the uncertainty of the path the health crisis will take and its impact on the economy,” Jim Weber, the CEO of Brooks Running Company, said in an interview with SGB Executive. Weber talks about the many ways COVID-19 has impacted Brooks, the brand’s recovery plan and running’s fresh appeal amid shelter-at-home life.

With no signs of a coronavirus vaccine arriving anytime s soon, when it’s safe to play, many are uncertain and related concerns have been found in recent surveys. Even solo activities such as running and cycling are also facing challenges with social distancing guidelines and restrictions.

Tom Cove, SFIA’s president and CEO, believes the sporting goods industry is still scrambling to offset the fallout from the pandemic. But he also believes many have “settled in a little bit” into how to manage amid the crisis and have started to position themselves to be ready for better business conditions.